Got a backyard full of dirt? You can turn that bare earth into a beautiful outdoor space without spending a ton. A little creativity goes a long way. Here are some fantastic, budget-friendly ways to cover that dirt and get the backyard you want.
9 Cheap Ways To Cover Dirt In Backyard
1. The Magical Organic Mulch
Mulching is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to handle a dirt-covered yard. Organic mulch gives your space a tidy, finished look while also doing great things for your soil. It helps hold in moisture, keeps weeds from popping up, and controls the soil’s temperature.
You have plenty of low-cost options, including wood chips, shredded bark, straw, or even fallen leaves. Wood chips are a fan favorite for their natural look and how slowly they break down.
Mulch is a perfect solution for covering dirt in smaller or medium-sized yards.
2. Budget-Friendly Sod
If you want an instant green lawn, sod is a fantastic choice for covering bare dirt. This pre-grown grass arrives in convenient rolls or squares. While sod can seem pricey, the cost varies widely between different types.
Look for affordable grass varieties that are well suited for your local climate. Visiting local garden centers and nurseries is a great way to find budget friendly options.
You can also score deals by watching for seasonal sales, end of season clearances, or bulk purchase discounts at nurseries or home improvement stores. These retailers often have promotions on landscaping materials, including sod.
If sod is still too much for your budget, planting grass seed is the most economical path to a lawn, though it does require a bit more patience as you wait for it to grow.
3. Use Inexpensive Ground Covers
Transforming your dirt yard with low cost ground covers is another smart move. These options not only improve the look of your outdoor space but also help with practical tasks like controlling weeds and keeping the soil moist.
Budget-friendly ground cover options include:
a) Ground Cover Plants
Covering the dirt with affordable ground cover plants can turn a barren patch into a lush, living landscape. Some fantastic and cheap plant choices are ivy, clover, and creeping jenny. You could also try sedum, ajuga, creeping thyme, or wintercreeper. Sweet woodruff, dwarf mondo grass, and vinca minor are other excellent options.
b) Burlap
Burlap, also known as hessian, is a coarse, woven fabric made from jute fibers. Its natural, rustic look and the fact that it’s biodegradable make it a great choice for landscaping.
You can use burlap to add a bit of charm to your yard without overspending. It works perfectly as a ground cover, can be used for simple decorations, or can even stand in for traditional mulch.
c) Pebbles and Gravel
For a low effort solution that lasts, consider using pebbles and gravel. This is a cheap option that creates a solid barrier against weeds and needs very little upkeep once it’s in place. Just spread an even layer over the dirt.
The main drawback to keep in mind is that both pebbles and gravel tend to absorb and hold heat.
d) Straw or Hay
Straw and hay are two very affordable materials that are easy to find, making them perfect for covering large patches of dirt on a tight budget. They do more than just hide the ground. They’re also great at suppressing weeds, holding moisture in the soil, and controlling soil temperature. As they break down, they even add rich organic matter to the earth.
e) Landscaping Fabric
Landscaping fabric is another inexpensive material that can make your backyard look better and become easier to manage. It’s an effective tool for suppressing weeds, retaining moisture, and preventing soil erosion.
f) Moss
Moss can conceal bare earth while adding a peaceful, almost magical feeling to your backyard. You can often find this ground cover for a very low price, or even for free if you look in the right outdoor spots.
It’s incredibly low maintenance, saving you both time and money. Once it takes hold, moss creates a thick, dense carpet that naturally keeps weeds from growing.
4. Artificial Grass
While natural grass is beautiful, it’s not always a practical option. Artificial grass is the next best thing. It gives you a lush, green carpet that looks like the real deal but without all the watering and upkeep.
Installation is often less expensive than traditional landscaping. You won’t have any ongoing costs for mowers, fertilizers, or pest control because artificial grass is virtually maintenance free. This means no spending on lawn care equipment or other upkeep expenses.
Artificial grass comes in a variety of styles and textures, so you can pick one that fits your budget and design taste. Best of all, it stays perfectly green and vibrant all year long, no matter the weather.
5. Concrete
Concrete isn’t just for driveways and sidewalks. It can be a creative and affordable way to cover dirt in your backyard and boost its style and function.
For a large patch of dirt, think about pouring a simple concrete patio. A basic square or rectangle shape will help keep the project affordable. You can even use stamps or molds to give the concrete texture, mimicking more expensive materials.
Another idea is to use pre made stepping stones, or make your own with molds, to create paths or define different garden areas.
Concrete pavers are also a great choice. They come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing you to design a unique pattern or cover the whole dirt surface for less than traditional stone or brick.
6. DIY Pallet Deck
A DIY pallet deck is a brilliant and budget-friendly project for hiding backyard dirt. While a professionally built deck is expensive, you can save a lot by building one yourself.
You can often get pallets for free or very cheap from local businesses like warehouses, construction sites, or grocery stores. Just be sure to find pallets that are in good shape and free of chemicals.
Lay out the pallets to create the shape and size you want for your deck, arranging them horizontally or vertically to fit your space. For a more comfortable and finished look, you can add decking material on top of the pallets.
Secure the top boards to the pallets with screws or nails to create a smooth, even surface. Dress up your new deck with outdoor rugs, cushions, and a fresh coat of paint to match your personal style.
To complete your outdoor retreat, add some potted plants, string lights, and patio furniture.
7. Raised Garden Bed
Covering up dirt by growing flowers, herbs, or vegetables is a wonderful solution. Building a raised garden bed is an affordable and flexible way to do this, making your yard more functional and beautiful.
To keep costs down, use economical materials like untreated pine, cedar, or reclaimed wood. You can also find deals on materials to lower the price even more.
Cinder blocks and concrete blocks are other cheap and easy to find options for building the bed’s frame. You can even get creative by repurposing old containers, barrels, or large plastic bins.
Bagged soil can get expensive, so save money by making your own nutrient rich soil mix. Simply combine compost, garden soil, and other organic matter.
8. Create A Water Pond
If you’re up for a DIY project, creating a small water pond is another cheap way to cover backyard dirt. This feature not only hides the bare ground but also adds a peaceful, natural vibe to your outdoor space.
Getting creative with materials is key to keeping this project affordable. Use an old container or even a livestock trough for the pond’s base. For the border, look for salvaged materials like bricks, rocks, or broken concrete to create a rustic look.
Add some affordable pond plants like water hyacinths or water lettuce to bring it to life. For a magical touch in the evenings, you can add some solar powered pond lights.
Final Remarks
Turning a backyard of dirt into a beautiful and welcoming outdoor space doesn’t require a big budget. A little bit of creativity and smart thinking is all you need to cover up that bare earth. The ideas here can help you transform your yard into a functional and visually stunning paradise that you’ll love, all without breaking the bank.
